Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has explained why he did not take to the streets during the Gen Z-led protests on June 25, 2024, saying his participation would have been misinterpreted and politicized.
Speaking during a televised interview, Gachagua clarified that he stayed away out of respect for the youth who organized the protests. “Gen Zs asked us to stay away from the protests, and rightly so, because they don’t want to be owned by anyone,” he said. He emphasized that had he joined, it would have sparked unfounded claims that he was funding or orchestrating the demonstrations.
His comments come in the wake of widespread public unrest and claims that some political figures may have exploited the protests to push their own agendas. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently warned that anyone found to have financed the protests would be prosecuted, regardless of their political stature.
Gachagua, however, sought to distance himself from such accusations, maintaining that he had no involvement in organizing or supporting the demonstrations financially. He said he opted to respect the autonomy of the youth-led movement and avoid politicizing their cause.
He also disclosed that the protests caused a major rift between him and President William Ruto. Gachagua said he strongly disagreed with the president’s characterization of the protestors as criminals. “To me, they are my sons and daughters and deserve to be heard,” he said.
Gachagua revealed that he urged the president to withdraw the Finance Bill 2024 and criticized the excessive use of force by security agencies. “I told him I am against the use of excessive force. That was a key point of disagreement,” he noted.
Addressing past remarks about police use of force, Gachagua denied ever endorsing violent crackdowns. “I was misquoted. I said police must use their guns to protect life and property, not to take away life,” he explained.
His statements highlight the deepening political tensions within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, as public pressure continues to mount over governance and accountability.
